“You get a lot of bang for your buck” seems like a phrase that is dying out when it comes to restaurants these days. Our dollars just aren’t going as far or getting us as much food as it used to.
Having said that, that doesn’t mean there aren’t still places that give you tons of bang for your buck!
Central Ohio isn’t like New York or San Francisco… there are still places to eat cheap in Columbus and the surrounding areas.
But just because there are cheap restaurants in Central Ohio doesn’t mean they’re always so easy to find. Luckily, we found some cheap meals near Columbus that we think you’ll be happy to know about.
I can already hear you through the screen begging me to spill the beans, so without further ado, here are some restaurants in and around Columbus where you can eat good and cheap. Tell your wallet we said you’re welcome.
Cheap Eats in Central Ohio
Dirty Franks Hot Dog Palace
Main location: 248 S. 4th Street Columbus, Ohio 43215
Dirty Franks has been stuffing their wieners in our faces since 2009, and we can’t thank them enough for it. Their food is delicious, the portions are fantastic, and the price point simply cannot be beat! Most people leave the Palace having spent less than $10 on food, and honestly I’m not sure why you’re still reading this instead of going there right now.
Tai’s Asian Bistro
1285 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH 43221
If you have never been to Mount Tai’s before (that’s what I call it because they serve you a literal mountain of food), you are going to be blown away by how much food you get when it arrives at your table. I’m surprised they don’t just serve everything with a to-go container because I have never walked out of there without leftovers. Plus, you can choose from a plethora of delicious Asian dishes, ranging from sushi to Singapore Noodles to Shrimp Pad-Thai. Ugh, it’s so good.
Los Guachos Taqueria
Multiple Locations: 5221 Godown Rd, Columbus, OH 43235
Home to my favorite deal in the city, BOGO Tacos Al Pastor every Monday, there is nothing I dislike on their entire menu. I walk in there and order six Tacos Al Pastor and guess how much it costs me… $7.50! That’s like the cost of a gallon of gas these days. *buh dum tsss* You can even get a 22oz draft beer for $4.99 to go with your tacos. I can sense that I’ll see you there next Monday…
Grandview Diner
648 Grandview Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
Located in the same complex as a gas station, many people overlook the Grandview Diner as a place to eat, and oh my goodness those people are sorely mistaken. This hidden gem is slinging out some of the tastiest and cheapest diner food in the city. Want a sub with fries on the side? $6.49. Want 3 tacos but don’t want to pay Chipotle’s prices? If you have $6 you’re in luck. Want a 16-inch pepperoni pie? All it takes is 10 bucks. I feel like I’m committing highway robbery with these prices.
Halal New York Gyro
6157 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH
If you want a taste of New York, then the aptly-named Halal New York Gyro food truck should be where you eat your next meal. Taking inspiration from Halal Guys in NYC, Halal New York Gyro serves up massive portions with serious flavor. Plus, most of the menu is $10 or less, so you can feast like royalty for days on end with your leftovers.
Island Vibes
1558 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH 43211
Venture down to the Caribbean as Island Vibes serves up Jamaican cuisine in large, delicious portions on the cheap. Choose between small, medium, or large sizes of their main dishes like Curry Chicken, Jerk Chicken, Red Snapper, or Fried Tilapia, and then add on sides like Curried Potatoes, Cornbread, or Plantains for just $2 more. Plus, if you go on their website, you’ll be treated to some reggae music (don’t believe me? Click the link below to find out).
Tony’s Coneys
5266 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43228
This western Columbus staple has been servin’ up dogs and dessert since 1951, all while keeping prices low and the food delicious. At Tony’s Coneys, you can get a coney with sauce, mustard, and onion for just $2.50, or the works (with cheese, slaw, and sauerkraut) for just $3.50! This is the perfect place for families, too, because a kids meal, complete with your choice of hot dog, grilled cheese, Dino nuggets, or a mini corn dog with fries and a drink is just $4! And if you want to add a milkshake to all that, your total would be just $4.75! Talk about a deal!
Deli-Licious
141 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Deli-Licious is quickly making a name for themselves as one of the go-to spots for lunch downtown, thanks to their legitimately delicious food and extremely reasonable prices (although we’d argue they’re unreasonable because, like, are they even making any money?). Their sandwiches range from $5.25 up to $8.95, but the portions are just immaculate. Big subs, even bigger flavors. Throw this in your lunch rotation pronto.
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Kolache Republic
702 S High St, Columbus, OH 43206
Aside from being able to get your fill of Czech kolache, Kolache Republic has some of the best prices in the game. Each kolache is just $2, breakfast sammies are just $5, biscuits & gravy are just $6… what I’m getting at is that Kolache Republic is the real deal when it comes to delectable food and prices that will keep your bank account happy. You’ll be amazed at how quickly kolaches become your favorite food.
